Gear-shifting mechanism.



C. R. UNDERHILL. A GEAR SHIFTING MBGHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. I9, 1913.

Patenea Nov. 3, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Juve n 012' C. R. UNDERHIL'L. GEAR SHITING MEGHANISM. APPLICATION FILED Nov. 19, 191s.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

[viven inf.'

CHARLES R. UNDERHILL, OF NEIN HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

GEAR-SHIFTING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

I Patented Nov. 3, 19114.

Application Afiled November 19, 1913. Serial No. 801,789.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES R. UNDER- HiLL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gear-Shifting Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to gear-shifting mechanism, and especially to an apparatus of this type for use on motor-cars, motortrucks, etc., and the principal object of the invention is to provide a simple type of mechanism operable with a minimum expenditure of power for use vJvherever the shifting ofgears to change speed is required.

In gear-shifting mechanism as generally employed on motor vehicles it is customary to bring about the necessary shifting movements of the gears in changing from one speed tofanother by the expenditure of electrical energy, or energy in a different form operating in an equivalent manner. In

such mechanisms as heretofore used there has been a great waste of energy in performing the necessary gear-shifting movements. In electrical gear-shifting mechanisms as heretofore constructed these losses are due to several conditions. One of these is that when an electric circuit for energizing a gear-shifting solenoid or other electrical device is closed time is required for the current to build up and additional time is required to get in motion the mass to be moved. After this additional time, and frequently a. very great amount of time, elapses I before the gears to be connected go into mesh with each other, owing to the different speeds at which these gears are moving. All of these conditions when the circuit is closed and current on result in the waste of electrical energy and consequent early exhaustion of the battery or other source of energy. A similar waste occurs When pneumatic, hydraulic or' other equivalent form of energy is similarly employed for per" forming the gear-shifting operations.

The principal feature of my present invention is the employment in a gear-shifting mechanism, as a substitute for an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other equivalent power device forperforming `the actual work of shifting the parts to change from one speed to another, of an operating power device of suchA a character that its use will result in a very considerable saving of energy in shifting a part or parts to change from one speedto another.` The preferred type of power device is one in which the energy expended is `used to move the load and no energy is expended While the gears to be brought into mesh are in contact but not in mesh, and none is Wasted on the building up of an electric current orany equivalent thereof. A spring of proper type fulfils these requirements, and. the preferred means employed by me for performing the work of eecting the necessary gear-shifting movements isa normally energized operating power device that does not waste its energy in the manner that a normally denergized solenoid for example, does after its circuit is closed, a normally energized spring such as a helical spring normally under compressionA being the operating power device preferred by me for this purpose. In changing from one speed to another inv a gear-shifting mechanism it is also important to employ o erating' means the maximum effort of whic will be exerted at the beginning of the gearshifting opera-tion, as a considerable amount of energy is required to start the movement of the mass to be shifted. Here again electrical energy is at a disadvantage, as a power device operated by current that has just begun-to build iip exerts its minimum effort at the beginning and its power thereafter increases. A spring, however, exerts its maximum effort at the "start and its power thereafter gradually diminishes as used. From this point of view also a spring normally energized and in readiness for `operation is superior to the usual solenoid l as a gear-shifting medium. In order, however, to assure proper control of the gearshifting operations and to reduce to the minimum the time required to energize the operating power device, I prefer to employ ielectrical energy as the means for energizing such power operating device, it being' used herein as the means for compressing a strong helical operating spring. 'The preferred construction is one in which an electrical power circuit including a solenoid so related that there wili always be a-nor' or other suitable energizing power device is employed for putting the operating spring under compression, and a controlling electric circuit is employed for releasing the energized spring. In such case the power circuit may be relatively short, from which there results the additional advantage of the reduction of the drop of the power current; while the controlling circuit may be made of comparatively line wire and will utilize but little current since it, as well as the power circuit, is intended to be closed but a short period of time at each gearshifting operation.

.A further important'feature of the invention is that the power circuit and the controlling circuit just referred to are preferably mally open break in one of them except when the circuit of one of them is intentionally closed (either manually or automatically)v to bring about a desired operation or operations. The electrical power devicefor. energizing the operating power-device is preferably utilized as a means for automatically opening substantially reciprocally two breaks7 one in the power circuit'and the other in lthe controlling circuit, it being understood, of course, that there is always normally another break in the controlling circuit. By properly inter-relating these power and controllingcircuits each will be automatically broken as soon as it performs its function or functions', and there will be no waste of current. The two gaps in the power and controlling circuits respectively which are automatically opened and. closed are preferably under thel control of a doublethrow switch governed by a solenoid inthe power circuit, which on one stroke of its plunger serves to open one and close the other of its breaks, and on its opposite stroke operates to close the first break and open the second. When so controlled the power and controlling circuits will be made and broken in proper order and there will be no interference or repetition of operations. 1 The preferred construction is .one in which a power` device normally operates to close the power circuit, which then energizes the solenoid, the plunger of said solenoid then operating to energize the operating power device or spring, lafter which it automatically opens a break in the power circuit and automatically closes a break in the controlling circuit, leaving the controlling circuit which nor.- mally has two open breaks with but a single break which will be closed whenever the operating power device is to be released for performing its gear-shifting function. Ob-

, viously this second break in the controlling circuit may be closed "automatically when desired though it is usually closed by manual action.' Y e In my prior application, Serial No. 793,-

the feature of control o'f multiple gear-shift y ingoperations by a single operating power device, my present invention is also animprovement upon that of my aforesaid application. It is also an improvement upon the selecting mechanism and various other features of control of both a single and multiple gear-shifting operation or operations by an operating device of either the manual or power type.

These and various other features of my invention not hereinbefore referred to but which will be hereinafter described and claimed are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which, y

Figure l is a sectional elevation and diagram of a type of gear-shifting mechanism illustrating one embodiment of my present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged, vertical.l longitudinal section of the main portion of the gear-shifting mechanism, and-Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical, transverse section of the same.

Similar characters designate like parts in all the figures of the drawings.

In' carrying my invention into effect I may, as in my prior application before rel ferred to, make use of any well-known or suitable type of gearing capable of being. shifted to different positions corresponding tothe various positions or speeds in or for which such gearing may be set. As the particular type of gearing used forms no part of my presentinvention I have not illustrated the gears themselves but merely one embodiment of my present improvements in gearishifting mechanism by means of which embodiment the desired changes in the positions and in the speed relations of the gears may be made.

In my prior application before 4referred to I haveillustrated as the active or operating means for performing the gearshifting function an actuator in the form of a solen- 1 oid the plunger of which is mechanically connected to suitable means for transmitting movement to the gear or gears to be shifted.

.This solenoid of my aforesaid prior applicafor performing the gear-shifting function."

The preferred operating power device is one in which power isv not only normally ready tor use. but is one in which the potential energy of the devicewhile availablev for sub position to another` I make use of an ener-z stantially instantaneous release is normally under restraint. The specific normally energized operating power device illustrated is a helical spring, 2, which'is held under compression by suitable means.

In connection with an operating power device the potential energy of which is' normally available for shifting a gear from one gizing power device .or power-supplying means for the purpose of storing energy in said operating power device which constitutes here the power-app1ying means. The preferred means employed for this purpose is an electrical device energized by current in a suitable power circuit embodying a source of electrical energy. The electrical. device illustrated is a solenoid similarto that of my prior application, buti here said solenoid is not employed as an operating power device for performing any gearshifting function, but only as a means 'for energizing the operating power device before described, which it does by putting the spring 2 under compression, that is'to say, it performs the function of cooking the spring so as to store the potential energy in the spring, which spring will then be held cocked under restraint until it is de* sired to shift a gear, when said spring will be released and its potential energy will become instantaneously kinetic and will shift a gear substantially instantaneously to a new position. The soleno-id illustrated here as the energizing power device is indicated at 3. lts plunger or core is shown at 4. The pull of said plunger when energized serves to put the spring 2 under compression, in

this case between the frame or casing, 5, ofv

the solenoid and a collar, .6, at'the outer end of the plunger 4. On each energization of the solenoid 3 the plunger 4 isA drawn in to the limit of its stroke andthe spring-2 consequently is compressed at such time vto its maximum extent. In this position the spring is intended to-be held until released for the purpose Of-shifting a gear to the new position. Any suitable means may. be employed for the purpose of holding the spring energized. 'that is, under compression in the present case. The means illustrated is a spring-held latch, 7, the nose of which is adapted to engage in a notch, 8, in a rod, S), formingl an extension of the plunger 4, but made of non-magnetic material. When the plunger 4 is drawn in to the limit of its in-stroke the latch 7 will be pressed into the notch 8 by the spring, 10, andfthe plunger 4 and its extension, together with the spring 2, will be held under restraint until released and will maintain said spring in condition for instantaneous release of its,

a change in speed. Here this movement of the plunger is transmitted to a reciprocating member or rod, 11, suitably connected to the other transmitting elements the operation of which. will be hereinafter described. The solenoid 3 may be connected in any suitable power. circuit for the purpose of energizing and de'energizing it, but the preferred type of circuit is one in which the solenoid is only momentarily energized, that is to say. just long enough to perform the operation of energizing the operating power device or spring 2. Immediately after this the circuit of said solenoid should be broken, and in this case it is intended to remain interrupted until the completion of a. cycle of operations of the energizing and operatingp'ower devices, after which the circuit of the solenoid may be closed again.

The solenoid itself is here employed as the means for denergizing itself, it serving to operate in this instance a switch for opening a gap in the power circuit through the solenoid. This gap is illustrated as located at the contacts 12 and 13, which are normally spanned by a. bridging contact, 14, operated directly bythe extended end 9 of the plunger 4.y The bridging contact 14 is illustrated as carried by a switch-rod. 15. though insulated therefrom, as illustrated at 16, this switch-rod or slide being mounted here in guides extending lup from thecasing of the solenoid and having near its opposite end a projection, 1T, in the path of an actuator or projection, 18, on the extended end 9 of the plunger 4, the parts being so combined that at about the end of the in-strokel of the plunger 4v the projection 18 will strike the projection 17 and shift the rod 15 to the left in Fig.l 1, thereby opening up the power circuitatthe contacts 12'-13. The main power Acircuit it will be seen is from a suitable source of energy, 19, throughpconductor. 20, to Contact 12, bridging Contact 14, contact 13, conducter21, leadingfto one side of the solenoid, the solenoid 3 itself, a conductor, 22,1eading from the other side of the solenoid to a contact 23, and back to the battery 19 by Way of a circuit-controller, here in theformof a switch carried by a clutchlever, 24, connected by a conductor, 25, t0 the other side of the source of energy 19. Thus it will be seen that in the particular embodiment of my invention lillustrated there are two breaksy in the power circuit,

o-ne ofwhich, at 12-v-13 is governed by anl automatic circuit-controller or switch. So

'second far as the intermittent energization and deenergization of the solenoid 3 is concerned, the break at 12-13 is sulicient for the proper operation of the apparatus. As a matter of convenience, however, a second break is shown, which break may be employed in connection with motor vehicles or other apparatus when desired. It is here shown as controlledv by the usual Jfoot-lever or clutch-lever of a motorcar or motor-truck. When such a second gap is employed it is desirable to provide power means for normally closing this gap in the power circuit. A suitable power device for the purpose is the usual spring, 26, by means of which a clutchleverv such as 24 is held retracted;

It will be clear from the foregoing that whether the second gap in the power circuit just described is used or not the circuit at that point will always normally be closed so that current will flow momentarily through the solenoid when the break 12--13 is closed. In this specic embodiment of the invention the second gap is automatically maintained closed by power, and manual action is required to open this second break in the power circuit. J Y

The release of the potential energy of the operating power device is preferably governed by a controlling electric circuit. This controlling circuit, though it is intended to be like the power circuit in that it will be economical of current and will be only momentarily closed,is unlike the power circuit in that in the specitic .embodiment illustrated it is normally open. Its current may bederived from the same source of energy as the current of the power circuit, but the controlling circuit will preferably consist mainly of fine wire conductors and will utilize but little of the current ofthe source of energy in controlling the operation of the trolling circuit is here between a pair of contacts, such as'v27 and 28, the latter ofgear-shifting mechanism. Its circuit must have at least one break (and need have butJ one for the purpose of controlling the maintenance of the necessary sequence of operations of the gear-shifting mechanism) and this break is one similar to that at 12--13 in the power circuit in that it is a break automatically closed and opened intermittently through .the action of the solenoid 3. Unlike the break at 12-13, however, this break in the cont-rolling circuit is normally open and is intended to be closed only at the end of the instroke of the plunger 4 of the solenoid and while said plunger and the operating device energized .by the movement of said' plunger are held under restraint. The break in question in this conwhich is in position to be engaged by the end -of theext'ension 9 of the plunger 4 and .brought into engagement with the contact 'as connected in circuit with the source 19, .their circuit being also illustrated as having an additional break or breaks which is or are provided for the purpose of determining the times when the mechanism illustrated shall go through its sequence of operations, but which have no control over the time or sequence of operations ofany cycle after such cycle is begun; Here there are two breaks in the controlling circuit in addition to that shown at 27-28. One of them is at the circuit-controller governed by the footlever or clutch-lever 24 and is a break that is intended to be manually closed by the depression of said foot-lever. Ihe contact with which said foot-'lever cooperates to control this second break in the controlling circuit may be such as indicated at 29. Said contact 29 is shown as connected by a conductor, 30, with contact 2S. In part said controlling-circuit traverses the salue course as the power-circuit, viz.` through conductor 24, sourceof energy 19 and a portion `of the conductor 20. From the conductor 20, however, a branch passes to contact 2T. This branch embodies, as the principal controlling element, means, such as a small electromagnct, 31. for releasing the latch 7 to set free the potential energy of the operating power device for shifting a gear. The manner in which this latch is released will be obvious. As soon as it is released the gap 27-28 will be automatically opened and the plu-nger 4 will be quickly thrown to the end of its out-stroke. The gap 27-28 will remain open until said plunger reaches the end of its-in-stroke again and hence the controlling-circuit, after being once closed and itsY magnet 31 once energized to release tion,.howe\'er, to the necessary automatically opened and closed break at 27-28, and y in addition to the break at 29 controlled by the manual or foot-lever 24, the controlling circuit in this casey has a third break which is intended to be governed also a manual circuit controller, which circuit controller will usually be, inthe case of a motor vehicle, 'on the steering-head, 32, of said vehicle, as illustrated, for example, at the right in Fig. l. The device shown at this point, so far asits electrical functions are conadapted to engagea contact 34 insulated .from said steering-head andthe switch-lever and connected, in this instance, by a conductor, 35, to the conductor 20. A. conductor, 36, is shown as leading from the steering-head 32 to one side of the controlling electrcmagnet 31. the other side of which is connected by aconductor, 37, to a contact 27 to complete the controlling circuit.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the power circuit is quite short and that the solenoid, the source of energy or battery, and the automatic switch constituting the principal means for making and breaking the power circuit', can be quite close together, and hence that there will be but little drop in the power circuit. Moreover, as each of these circuits is only momentarily closed, each being broken practically in- -stantaneouslyl after being made, the ldraft upon the bt ery will'be sustained for the minimum amount -of time. In addition, during each brief period that the'controlling-lever is closed but little curr/ent is used in it, owing to the employment of a fine wire conductor in said circuit. f

The partsjust described for operating the bridging'contact 14 to open and close the gap at 1-2-13 and for operating the contact Q8 to close and open the gap at 27-28, constitute a double-throw switch governed by lthe solenoid 3 and here illustrated as governed directly by the movements of its plunger 4, the construction being such that the bridging contact 14 and the contact 28 will alternately and substantially reciprocally open and close two gaps, one in the power circuit and the other in the controlling circuit, and one on one stroke and the other on the opposite stroke of said` thecontrolling circuit willbe opened and at the end of the out-stroke the gap at 12-13 in the power circuit willbe closed;

' and this regardless of the manner in which thecirc'uit-controller at 24is operated with respect tothe respective contacts 23 andv 29 of the power and controlling circuits, and.

collar 6 (or -a projection therefrom) serves as the actuating means and operates near the end of the out-stroke of the plunger to strike the projection 17 and force the rod l5 to the right to cause the bridging contact 14 to close the gap at 19,-13 in substantially the same manner that near the end of the instroke of said plunger the projection 18 thereof is caused toengage the projection 17 of the rod 15 and move said rod 15 to the left to open said gap 12-13. In order that the rod 15 may be held positively in each of its two controlling positions it is desirable to make use of a detent, such as the spring-pressed arm, 37 carrying a roller for engaging in either. of a pair of notches, and 39, in the rod 15. The spring, 40, of

this detent is a relatively light one and merely serves to prevent the shifting of the rod 15 improperly after it has been automatically setin either of the two positions specified.

The controlling and operating means may govern any suitable type of gear-shifting mechanism proper and in any suitable way. ln Figs. 2 and 3 I have illustrated one type of gear-shifting mechanism proper that may be operated from the primary power-transmitting element 11 before described as operated .by the plunger 4.` These views illustrate a lgear-shifting mechanism comprising two principal elements, one of which is suitable selecting means for determining the change to be 'made in the relation of the gears, and the other of which isk suitable actuating means for performing the operations determined by the selecting means.

The selecting means in the present construction is a sub-mechanism adapted to be set in various ways corresponding to the speed `changes to be made, the setting operations bein-g in this case under manual control and performed by manual action.` The actuating means is intended to come into operation only after the placing of the 'selecting mechanism in a condition or position corresponding to the speed or position of gearing to whichit is desired to change: This actuating means may be either under .manual control and operated manually. or 1t may be `under proper control and operated by power. The particular construction illustrated 1s. as -before stated. one in which a single operating power device, the potential energy of Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, 42 and 43 repthe actuating or operating means,=the.'fselect i'v ing means being in this case wholly mechanical 'and interposed between the gearshifters 42-43 and the aforesaid operating power device from which power istransmitted through the selecting means to said gear-Shifters. The movements of this selecting mechanism are preferably determined.` and are here shown as effected, by the aforesaid switch-lever 33 mounted in the upper end of the rod or post 32. Here said lever is pivoted, at 44, on an extension, 45, of an annular member, 46, mounted to turn at the upper end of the post 32 to various positions, and a spring, such as 47, will preferably hold the selecting lever and 'switch lever 33 up in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Just below the annular support 46 for this lever there is shown secured to the post 32 in a suitable fixed position, an index-head and plate. 48, for indicating the different speed relations (not shown) of the `gears. On the part 45 there-is also a pointer, 49, adapted to swing over the various' indications (not shown) on the index-head 48.

The horizontal turning movement of Ithe lever 33 about the post 32 may be transmitted by any suitable means to the principal portion of the selecting mechanism. Here this movement is illustrated as transmitted mechanically through suitable connections, such as the vertical shaft 50, within the post 32 and having at its lower end `a bevel-gear, 51. meshing with a bevel-gear, 52, at one end of a horizontal shaft, 53, mounted in the upper part of the casing or housing 54, which is intended to inclose the main parts of the selecting mechanism by means of which the various positions are selected, and through which movement is transmitted to the gear-Shifters 42-43 by the operating means. Here the movements of the vertical shaft 50. the bevel-gears'l and 52, and the horizontal shaft 53 are utilized to turn more or less a primary selector. shown asa barrelcam, secured to said horizontal shaft. This barrel-cam has a circumferential camgroove` -56. As the barrel-cam is not intended to rotate` but merely to oscillate through an arc corresponding to the range of horizontal movement of the lever 33, the.

ends of this cam-groove are located at different points (not shown) in the length of said barrel-cam. The cam-groove 56 is intended in this construction to determine the position of a selecting-frame, such as 57, mounted to slide in suitable parallel guideways in the upper and lower parts of the housing, as shown in Fig. 3. This'sliding movement of said frame is in the direction of movement of the gear-Shifters 42-43. At its upper end the selecting-frame 57 vhas a pin, 58, that works in the cam-groove 56 and through which the walls of said camgroove operate to slide said frame 57 to any one of the ve main positions lengthwise of ing respectively the central or neutral point of the cam-groove and two other positions at each side thereof corresponding respectively to the four active or working posi tions of the gears to be controlled, that is, the first, second and third speeds ahead and the reverse speed.

The slide-frame 5T shown comprises a.

pair of slides connected by four rods, 59, forming a rectangular skeleton frame. On these rods actuating slides are mounted by means of which movement is intended to be imparted to one or the other of the two gear-Shifters 42-43 shown. There are two of these actuating slides, each of which is designated by 60from the center of each of which rises an actuating cam, 61, with its .apex uppermost and locatedA in Vertical alinement with the center of the stud 58, that works in the cam-groove 56. Each of these actuating-cams 61 has at its inner side in this case a projection or stud, such as 62 by means of which saidv cams may be raise 71 vertically. Each of these actuating-slides vand its cam 61 corresponds to one of the gear-Shifters 42-43, one of said cams 61 being intended to coperatc with one of said gear-Shifters and the other of said cams with the other gear-shifter. According as one or the other of these slides 60 is raised to the proper extent one or the other of the gear-Shifters 42-43 will be movedl lengthwise. As shown, each -of said gear-Shifters has three positions in any one of which it may be held by a suitable spring-pressed detent, such as 63, (see Fig. 2) the construction shown being one in which either gearshifter is moved when selected from a central or neutral position to the right or to the left, as the case may be, according to the position of the point of the corresponding actuator cam 61, to an active or working position controlling a corresponding position of the gearing. lVhich one of the two actuating cams 61 will be raised to move its gear-shifter 42 or 43 to one side or the other of the central neutral position will depend upon the positions of certain other parts of the selecting means. Here not only is the primary selector or barrel-cam 55v operated bythe turning of the horizontal sha-ft 53 when the selecting lever 33 i's turned,- but a second selector for determining which one of the two actuating cams 61 shall be brought into action is also operated. This second selector is illustrated in this case .as a rack, 64, mounted in guides and meshing with a spur-pinion, 65, secured to a stud, 66, journaled in a wall of the housing and also having in fixed relation therewith a relatively large spur-gear, 67, meshingwith a yspur-pinion, 68, on the shaft 53. Through this gearing 68, 67 and 65y turning movement of the shaft 53 by the selecting lever is transmitted to the rack 64, which may takeany one of live diiferent positions lengthwise corresponding to the five positions on the index-plate. Each one of these live positions of the rack 64 controls in turn a corresponding position of -an actuating member, such as a lever 69, splined on a shaft, 70, so as to be movable lengthwise .and in all of these positions said lever is operative for raising said actuatingslides and cams. In the fifth position the lower end of said actuating lever is in line with the space between the studs 62 and is not operative to actuate either` of the cams 61. his intermediate position corresponds to the neutral position of the gear-Shifters i2- i3 and the gears operated thereby.'\

The parts just described as controlled and operated from the selecting-lever 33 and the actuating-lever 69 when swung up by the i turning of the-shaft 70, are suiiicient to effeet the selection of a gear-shifting movement for bringing the gears into operative relation corresponding to any one ,of the four active positions and are also suiiicient, when power is applied to the shaft 70 to swing said arm 69 up as described, to bring about the necessary7 shifting of the parts Q /i3 and-the gearing corresponding tothe desired speed. 1t being understood that suitable means will b'e employed for applying power to turn the sha-ft 70, it will be seen that these parts control the selection of two `speed positions through one of the cams `61 and the gear-shifter 42,' and of the other two speed positions through the other cam 61 and the gear-shifter 43; and it will also be seen that one or the other of said gear- Shifters will be moved endwise in one direction or the other according as one or the other of the vstuds 62 of the actuating cams 6l is over the lower end of the actuating lever 69 and according as the point of such cam is at the right or at the left hand side 'of a stud or antifriction roller, 71, one of which is'secured to the end of each gearshifter in order that said gear-shifter may be properly actuated by its respective cam 61.

For" the purpose of controlling the neutral position of the gear-Shifters 4t2-43 and the gearing operated thereby 1 have shown within the housing 54 additional selecting and actuating means by means of which both gear-Shifters may be moved to the neutral position in advance ofthe actuation of the gear-Shifters to a vnew speed position. As set forth in my 'aforesaid application, it is importantfthat the gears be maintained in mesh in one working positionunless power is available for shifting the gears from that position to a working position representing another speed, as otherwise if the gears were shifted out of mesh and left out of mesh and no power were available for shifting them into mesh again a condition of danger would exist. For this reason I deem it advisable to employ actuating means common device, for positively and substantially instantaneously moving the gear-Shifters from one working position through the y neutral position to another working position without stopping at the neutral point. 1n this storing the gear-Shifters to the neutral position is a pair of resetting slides, such as 72, vertically movable on guides, such as the long smooth shanks of the threaded tie-rods,

73, by mea-ns' of which the 'coverand the body portion of the housingi are securely fastened together. Each of these resetting slides has a substantially triangular opening constituting a substantially triangular cam, 7-1, with a locating recess, 75, at the bottom thereof, for .locating the studs k or a'ntifriction rolls 71 Aon the gear-Shifters 42-43 in the central or neutral'position. These resetting slides and cams are intended to be raised by suitable mea-ns, such as a resetting lever, 7 6, secured to the same shaft 70 as the actuatinglever 69, and having at its outer end a spring-pressed by-pass pawl, 77, which on the rise of the resetting lever engages the under side of a suitable projection or stud, 78, bn said resetting slide and raises the saine on the rods 73 to its uppermost position, it being understood that both of the resetting slides are raised in unison by the two arms of the resetting lever 76. vOn reaching the top of its stroke the stud 78 slips off the end of the by-pass device 77 and thereupon the resetting slides are returned to their lowermost positions, as, for example, by gravity. 1n their eXtreme upper positions these resetting slides of, course locate the gear-Shifters 42-43 in their neutral positions in which they are Vheld by the spring-pressed pins 63. On the descent of the resetting lever 76 each bypass device 77 turns about its pivot when it strikes the projection or stud 78 and passes on to its lowermost position.

From the foregoing it will be clear that, when power is applied to the shaft 70 to swing the levers 69 and 76 upward the resetting lever 76 will iirst raise the resetting slides 72 and restore the gear-Shifters LQ-43 and the gears controlled thereby to the neu- '85 case the specific means `illustrated for retral position, whereupon the slidesy 72 will be released by the resetting lever and will return to their lowermost positions While said lever continues to travel upward until it reaches the limit of its movement. After the resetting of the gear-Shifters l2-43 in said neutral position the actuating arm 69, previously positioned in the direction -of the axis of the shaft TOby the manual selecting lever 33, will engage the under side oftlie stud on one or the other of the actuating cams 61 and will raise said cam and cause itgto operate the corresponding'gearshifter in the one direction or the other, according as ,the point of the cam 61 vis, at one side or the other of the roll 7l, which position is determined by the extent and direction of the shifting movement of the slideframe 59 which in turn, as before stated, is controlled by the cam-groove 56.

W'hile any suitable primary actuating means may lbe employed' to operate the parts before described located in the selected gearshifting positions, I have here shown for this purpose the single actuator operating power device before described, which is common to all of the gear-shifting devices and is normally energized and ready for operation when its potential energy is released. rlliis release is here brought about by the depression of the selecting lever 33.

The selection of the desired gear-shifting operation will be determined by the hori-` 'zontal swing of said selecting lever. and

the gear-shifting operation will result ordi/- nai-ily from the release ofthe spring 2. .ln the specific construction shown in Fig. 1 of course the circuit for releasing the spring not vactually closed until the pedal 24e` is depressed, but asbefore shown, it is not necessary to employ an additional controlling break in the combined conti'olling and power circuit, or to the foot-lever 24.

ln case the source of energy 'or battery -lS should fail the necessary gear-shifting govern such a break by operations may be performed by a single,-

actnator in the form of a manual device, auch as the lever 80. This lever is splined oi: the shaft (see Fig. 3)V and has a relatively long pin, 8l. extending therefrom constantly in engagementwitli one edge of a power lever, 82, which constitutes the immediate power-transinitting connection between the sliding operating element l1 and said shaft '70. The manual lever 8O is shiftable along the shaft 70 to the five positions of the actuating lever 69 and is connected to said lever so as to locate it in any one of v said positions as -desired.

That I claim is:"

l, Gear-shifting mechanism. comprising,

in combination with a.. pair of coperative gears, a normally energized power device for moving one. of said gears into mesh' with the other, and latchiiig means for normally holding said power device under restraint.

2. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising. in combination with a set` of interrelated speedchanging gears. a normally energized power device for moving a gear first out of mesh and then into a new vposition of mesh and means for normally holding said power device under restraint.

3. iear-sliifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of cooperative gears. a normally energized power device for moving one'of said gears into mesh with the other, means for normally holding said power device under restraint, and quick let-olf means for releasing said power device.

' 4. (irear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with :i pair of coperative gears, a spring for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, and means for normally restraining said spring.

Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising. in combination with :i set of interrelated speed-changing gears. a spring for movinga gear first out of mesh and then into a new position of mesh and means for normally restraining said spring.

6. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with 'a pair of cooperative gears. a spring for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, means for normally restraining said spring, and means for releasing said spring.

7. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of cooperative .gear-s, a normally energized power device for `nioi'ingone of said gears into mesh with the other, means for normally holding said power device under restraint, and electrical controlling means for lreleasing said power device.

S. Gear-sliifting mechanism, comprising. in combination with a pair of coperative gears, a spring for moving one of said gears into mesh with' the other. means for nor- 'nially restrainingsaid spring. and electrical .controlling means for releasing said spring.`

9. Gear-shifting mechanism. comprising. in combination with a pair of cooperative gears. an operating power device for moving one of said gears into meshwith the other, and separate means for energizing said operating power device.v

l0. Gear-shiftingmechanism. comprising, in combination with a pair of coperative gears, an operating'pwer device for mov,- ing one of said gears into mesh with the other, and an energizing power device for energizing said operating power device.

11. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising. in combination with a set of interrelated speed-changing gears, an operating power device for moving a gear first out ofV mesh and then into a new position of mesh, and

separate means for energizing said operat-A ing power device.

` 12. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a set of interrelated speed-changing gears, an operating power device for moving a gear first out of mesh and then into a new position of mesh and an energizing power device for energizing said operating power device.

13. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair oi' cooperative gears, an operating power device for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, an energizing power device for energizing said operating power device, and means for maintaining said operating power'device in its energized condition.

14. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with apair of cooperative gears, an operating power device for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, an energizing power device for energizing said operating power device, means for maintaining said operating power device in its energized condition, and means for releasing said energized operating power device.

15. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of cooperative gears, an operating power device of one characterJ for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, and an energizing power device of another character for energizing said operating power device.

- 16. Gearshifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of cooperative gears, an operating power device for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other,

and electrical means for energizing said operating power device.

17. Gear-shitting mechanism, comprising,

in combination with a pair of cooperative' gears, an operating power device for moving one of said gears finto mesh with the other, and a solenoid for energizing said operating power device.

18. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising,

' in combination with a pair of cooperative gears, a spring for moving one of said gears into mesh with the other, and electrical means for storing energy in said spring.

19. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of coperative gears., a spring for moving one of said gears int-o mesh with `the other, and a solenoid having a plungerior compressing Y said spring. Y

20. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with la pair of cooperative gears, a pair of power devices the first op erative for shifting one of said gears' into `mesh with the other, and the second operaltive for energizing the first, and controlling means for said energizing power device.

21. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, a pair of power devices the first operative for shifting a gear and the second operative for energizing the first, and a power-operated controller for governing the action 'of said energizing power device. Y

Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising,

in combination with a pair of coperative gears, a pairof power'devices the first operative for shifting one of said gears into mesh with the other, and the second operative for energizing the first, and controlling means for said operating power device.

23. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising means :for supplying power for governingthe shifting of a gear, and means for automatically determining the period of time that power is supplied for said purpose.

24. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising means for supplying and applying power for shifting a gear, means for starting the action of such power-supplying means, and automatic means for stopping said action.

25. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising means Jfor supplying and applying powerv for shiftinga gear, means for starting the action of suoli power-supplying means, and automatic means for stopping said action at a predetermined time after the starting of the saine.

26. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, and means for automatically determiningthe period of energization of said electrical means.

27. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, meansv for energizing said electrical means, and automatic means for denergizing said electrical means. l

28. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, means 'for energizing said electrical means, and automatic means controlled by the action of said electrical means for denergizing the same.

29. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means for supplying power for 31. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means or supplying' power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, automat-ic means in the circuit thereof for determining the period of said supply, and a manual circuit-controller in said circuit.

32. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising electrical means fpr supplying power for` bringing about the shiftingv of a gear, automatic means in the circuit thereof for detei-mining the period of said supply, and a clutch-lever for normally closing a break in said circuit. .i

33. Gear-shifting mechanism, i comprising a solenoid for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, meansincluding a clutch-lever controlling a break in the circuit of said solenoid for energizing said solenoid, and an automatic solenoid-circuitbreaker.

,34. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising vva solenoid for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a'gear, means including a clutch-lever controlling a break in the circuit of said solenoid for. energizing said solenoid, and an automatic solenoid-circuitbr-eaker operable `by the solenoid-plunger on the iii-stroke thereof. y

35. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a solenoid -for supplying power for bringing ,i about the shifting of a gear, and automatic means for making the solenoid V"circuit o n Aone stroke of the plunger and for breaking \it on the other.

l36. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising/ a solenoid for supplying power for bringing about the shifting of a gear, and automatic means governed by the' movements of the .solenoid-plunger for making the solenoid- 40 circuit on onestroke of the plunger andxfor breaking it` on the other.

` 37. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising la solenoid for supplying power for governing the shifting of a gear, and an automatic double-throw switch controlled by the sole- `noid for making the circuit ofthe solenoid L on 'one stroke ofthe solenoid-plunger and for breaking it on the o-ther.

38. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting Ia gear, a solenoid for energlzmg said y"spring, and an automatic double-throw switch controlled-by 'the solenoid-plunger and controlling the energization of said spring on one stroke of the plunger and its release on'the other. i

39. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear, a solenoid for energizing said spring, an automatic double- 'throw switch controlled by the solenoid- 50 plunger and controlling the energization of said spring on one stroke of the plunger and its release on the other,.a`nd means. for latching said'switch in each of said positions.

40. Gear-shiftin mechanism, comprising 35 a pair of power dgevices the rst y,operativi-i for shiftingagear and the second operative for energizing the rst before the virst goes into action, and means forautomatically determining the period of saidI energization of the first power device by the second.

4l. Gear-shifting` mechanism, comprising an operating power device for shifting .a gear, electrical means fdr energizing said operating power device before the latter goes into action, and quick-acting automatlc means controlled by the energization of said electrical'means for limiting the period of said energization.

42. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear after the spring has been energized, a solenoid for energizing `said spring, and quick-acting automatic means controlled by the energization of said solenoid for breaking -the circuit of said solenoid shortly afterthe beginning of such energization. i

43. ,Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear after the spring has been energized, ya solenoid for energizing said spring, means for maintaining sai spring in its energized condition, means Or releasing said spring, and quick-acting automatic means controlled by the energization of said'solenoid'for breaking the circuit of said solenoid shortly after the beginning of 95 such energization.

44. Gear-shiftin mechanism, comprising a pair of power evices the first operative at one time for moving said'gear into fmesh and the second operative at a different time for energizing the first. Y

45. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a gear, a pair of power devices the lirst operative at one time for moving said gear into mesh and thefsecond being operative from av different source of energy and at a diiferent time for energizing the first. s

46. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a vpair ofpower devices the iirst operative at one time for moving a gear into mesh and the second embodying electrical means operi: iltive at a-diierent time for energizing the rst.

.47. Gear-.shifting mechanism,fcomprising, in combination with a gear, a pair of power devicesthe rst operative at one time for movin said gear into mesh and the second operative at a different time and for a relatively short period for energizing the first. 1 20 48. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a gear, a pair of lpower devices `the first vbeing operative for a relatively long period of time for moving said gear intomesh and the second being opera- I tively long period of" time for moving said mesh, and electrical means for substantiallyA instantaneously energizing said operating power device. f Y

51. Gear-shiftmgmechanism, comprising,

in combination with a gear, an operatingy power device for moving said gear first out of mesh and then into a new position of mesh and electrical means for substantially instantaneously energizing said operating power device. f

52.y Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a gear, a'ii operating power device for* moving said gear into mesh, electrical means for substantially instantaneously energizing said operating.

power device, and means for maintaining said operating power device in its energized condition. n

53. Gear-shifting mechanism,` comprising an -operating power device for moving a gear into mesh, electrical means for substantially instantaneously energizing said loperating power device,means for maintaining said operating power device in its energized condition, and means for releasing said energized operating power device.

54. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of powerdevices the first operative at one time for moving a gear 'into mesh and the second embodying electrical means operative at a different time' for substantially instantaneously energizing the first.

55. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of power devices the first operative at one time for moving a gear into mesh and the second embodying a solenoid for energizing the firstand means for substantially instantaneously. making and breaking the circuit of said'solenoi i v 56. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair 'of power'devices vthe first operative for .shifting al gear into mesh and )the second operative forenergizing the first,`ai'id .con-

trolling means jfoibringingyjsa-id second power device into action and for releasing the first. y. .f

. 57. Gear-shifting mechanism, "comprising a pair of power devices the first operative for shifting a gear into mesh land the second operative for energizing the first, and sepa-l rate. controlling devices for bringing said second power device into action-and for releasing the first. K

' 58'. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of power devices the fii'st operative for shifting a lgearinto mesh and the second' operative for energizing .the` first, and power- Q operated and" manual controlling Adevices i governing respectively the bringing of' said' second powerdevice into action and the release of the first. t

59. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of power devices the first operative for shifting a gearinto mesh and the second operative for energizing the first, and elec-v trical controlling means for bringing said second power device into action and for releasing the first. I

60. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of' power devices the first operative for shifting a gear into mesh and the second Voperative for energizing the first, and separate electrical controlling devices operative respectively for obtaining, a substantially .instantaneousl action 'of the second power device and for-releasing the first.

Gl.I Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising avpair of power devices the `first operative for shifting a gear into mesh and the second operative for energizing the first, and separate power-operated and manually-operated electrical controlling devices operative respectively for obtaining a substantially instantaneous action of the second power device and `for substantiallyv instantaneouslyv releasing the first.r l

62. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a power device for supplying power formoving a gear into mesh, and controlling power devices for energizing said firstv power device and then denergizing it.

63. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a. solenoid :for supplying power for bringing -about the moving` of a gear from one posi- -tion to another, and power-operated switches for first making and then breaking the circuit of said solenoid.

64.' Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising .a spring for shifting a` y. gear into mesh, a

solenoid for energizing said spring, and power-operated switches for first making the circuit of saidy solenoid and then breaking -it at the end of a predetermined period. y 65. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising an operatingv power device for moving a gear into mesh,l and energizing and releasoperatiiig power device and then releasing it. 266. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising as rin for'inovin` a ear into mesh means releasing power devices operative respectively for first energizing said power device 'ing power devices for first energizing said and then latching it jin its energized condition and then releasing it. 68. Grear-shi'fting mechanism, comprising'l a power circuit including electrical means IAD for supplying -energy for bringing about the shifting lof a gear into mesh, and a controlling circuit forfreleasingfsaid energy.

ion

69. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a power-circuit'including an automatic circiiit-controllerland electrical means for supplying a predetermined quantity. of energy for bringing about the shifting of a gear into.mesh, and a controlling circuit for releasing said energy.

then breaking it at the end of a predetermined period-and also including electrical means for supplying a predetermined quanmeans -for supplying a. predetermined quan-- tity of energy for bringingabout the shifting of a gear into mesh, and -a controlling circuit for releasing said energy said circuit having a manual circuit-controller.

72. Gear-shifting mechanism, `comprising -a'power circuit including automatic circuitcontrollersfor first making said circuit and then breaking it at the end of a predetermined' period and also including electrical means for supplying .a predetermined quantity of energy `for bringing about the shift- "ing of a. gear from' one position to another,

and a controlling circuit for releasing said energy, said circuit'having a manual circuitcontroller and also having an automatic circuit-controller governed by said electrical means. Y l

'73. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising la. powercircuit including electrical means for supplying energy forbringing about the shifting of a gear from one position to another,y and a controlling circuit for releasing said energy, said power circuit and controlling circuit each havingan automatic cir- 3 cuit-controller one of. which is open when the other-fisclosed and the second of which is openwhfen the first -is closed.

74. Gear-'shifting mechanism,l comprising a spring for shifting a gear from one posi- I tion to another, a power circuit including a solenoid for energizing Ysaid spring, and a v controlling circuit for releasing said spring,

said power circuit and controlling circuit each havingan automatic circuit-controller one of which Fis open when the other is closed and the second of which is open when ,.-the'irst is closed.

7 5,..Gearshifting mechanism, comprising 'i a .spring for shifting a gear from one position to another, a power circuitincluding a 70. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a'power circuit including automatic circuitcontrollers for urst making said circuit andl solenoid for-'energizing said spring, a controlling lcir'cuit for releasing' said spring, and a double-throw switch operated by the solenoid-plunger for opening a break in the power circuit and closing one in the con- :l trolling circuit on one stroke of the plunger shifting a gear from one position to another, Y

a powercircuit including a solenoid for energizing said spring, a controllingcircuit `for releasing said spring, a double-throw switch operated by the solenoid-plunger for opening a break in fthe power circuit and closing o-ne in the controlling circuit on one stroke of the plunger and for closing said break in the power circuit `and opening that in the controlling circuit on the other stroke of said plunger, and a circuit-controller governing another break in each of said circuits and operative Vfor closing them alternatively.

77. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising .a spring for shitting a gar from one positionto another, a power circuit including a solenoid forAv energizing said spring, a controllingcircuit forreleafsing said spring, a double-throw switch operated by the solenoid-plunger for'opening` a' break in the power circuit' and closing one in the controlling circuit on one stroke of the plunger i and for closing said break in the power circuit and opening that in the controllingv circuit on the other stroke of said plunger, and a circuit-controller operated-by the clutchlever and governinganother break in each of said circuits and operative for closing them alternatively andA having means for normally moving it into position for closing said break in the power circuit. n u

78. Gear-shiftingmechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a' gear into mesh, a

power circuit including a solenoid forenergizing said spring, means for automatically latching the spring when energized, and a controlling circuit for releasing said latchingmeans. v

7 9. Gear-shittingvmechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear from one position to another, a power circuit 'including a solenoid for energizing said spring, means for automatically latching the spring when energized, and a controlling circuit for releasing said latching means, said power circuit and controlling circuit each having an automatic circuit-controller one of which is open when the other is closed and the .second of which is open when the first is closed.

80. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear into mesh, a power circuit including a solenoid for energizing said spring,` and a controlling-circuit 30 each of said circuits except during the mohaving an electromagnet for releasing said spring.

- 81. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for shifting a gear into mesh, a

power circuit including a solenoid the plunger of which is operative on its in-stroke for energizing suaid spring, means for automatically latching said plunger and the spring near the endof the vin-stroke of said plunger, and a controlling circuit for releasing said latching means.

82. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising an operating power device for moving a.

' gear from one position to another, a power circuit including electrical means forenergizingsaid operating power device, a controlling circuit for releasing said operating power device, and means for constantly maintaining at least one break in each of4 said circuits except during the momentary closing of such circuit for energizing or releasing said operating power device.

83. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a spring for moving a gear fromone position to another, a power circuit including a solenoid for energizing said spring, means for automatically latching said energized spring, a controlling circuit for releasing said latching means, and -means for constantly maintaining at least one break in mentary closing of such circuit for energizing or releasing said spring. n

84. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising in combination with a pair of coperative` gears and with a gear shifter, a power device for moving said gear shifter to a position to bring one of said gears into mesh with the other, said power device being opera-tive for exerting at the beginning of itsv action its maximum power.

85. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising in combination with a pair of coperative gears and with a gear-shifter, a power device for moving said gear-shifter to a position to bring one of said gears into mesh with the other, said power device being op operating. power device being adapted to exert its maximum power vlat the beginning of its action. n:

87. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of`coperative gears and with a gear-shifter, an energizing 35 power device, an operating power device comprising adapted to be energized by said first power device and operative for-moving said. gearshifter to a position to bri/ng one of said gears into mesh with the other, said power device being adapted to exert its maximum power at the beginning of its action whenever it is released, means for normally holding said operating power device under restraint, and .means for releasing said operating power device.

88. Gear-shifting' mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of cooperative gea-rs, a gear-shifter, and a normally energized. powerl device'for moving said gearshifter to a position to bring one ot' said gears \into mesh with the other.

89.A Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising,

in combination with aset of interrelated speed-changing gears, a gear-shifter, and a normally energized power device for moving said gear-shifter and its gear first to a position in which the gear is out of mesh and then into a new position of mesh;

90. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a gear-shifter having a` plurality of selective movements to diiferent positions, and selective operating means including normally energized actuating means for impart-l ing to said gear-shifter any of said selective movements.

91'. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a gear-shifter having a plurality of selective movements to different positions, and selective operating means including a single normally energized power device for imparting to said gear-shifter any of said se-v lective movements. A

92. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of separate elements one controlling the shifting of the gear to neutral position and the other controlling the shifting of said gear to a working position, and normally energized actuating means common to said elements.

98. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a .pair of separate elements one controlling the shifting of the gear to neutral position yand the other controlling the shifting of the gear to a working position, and a single normally energized power device for effecting said movements.

94. IGear-shifting mechanism, comprising a pair of separate elements one controlling the shifting of the gear to neutral position and the other controlling'the shifting of said gear to working position, and a single spring *for effecting said movements.

95. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising .a pair of separate elements one controlling the shifting of the gear to neutral position and the other controllingl the shifting of said gear to a working position, a single spring for eiecting' said movements, and

. means for normally holding said spring under restraint.

96. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising, in combination with a pair of coperative gears, a gear-shifter, resetting means controlling the movement of said gear-shifter to One position, and normally energized actuating means for moving said gear-shifter to another position in which its gear is in mesh.

97. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising;

holding. said spring under restraint.

99. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a pluralityof gear-shifting movements, and a single normally energized power device `for shifting a plurality of gears each from` one individual working position through neutral position to anotherV individual working position.

100. Gear-shifting -mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-'shifting movements, a single normally. energized power devicel for shifting a plurality of, gears each from one individual working posit-ion through neutral position to another ,individual working positiom and means for normally holding said power device under restraint. 1:01.Gear-'shifting mechanism, compris ing gear-shiftin'gmeans having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single operating power' device for effecting said movements, and a single energizing power device for energizing said operating power device. v 102. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting meanshaving a plurality of. gear-shifting movements, a 'sin'gl'e operating power device .of one character for ef- Jfectmg said movements, and a single energizing power device of another characterV fol?- energizing said operating power device.

103. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting-meanshaving a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single operating power ldevice for effecting saidinovements,fand electrical means )forenergizing said operating power device.

104. Gear-'shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting. movements, a single spring.

for elfecting said movements, and a single l n l n O l solenoid for energizing said'spring.

for energizing the rst, andl controlling.

y10.5. lGrear-shii'ftingl mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality means for bringing said second .power device into action and for" releasing theliirst.

106. Gear-shifting. `mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gas-shifting movements, a pair of power of said movements and the second operative for energizing thek first, and `separate electrical controlling devices operative rel spectively for obtaining a lsubs antiallyino -7o devices the first operative for e'ecting each stantaneous actionbf' the second power device and for releasing the first.' n ,r f 107. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single power device for supplying power for effecting ,A

said movements, and 'means for automatcally determining the period of .said supply;

10S. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprisving gear-shifting 'means hayinga plurality of gear-shifting movements, (a single electrical device for supplying power for bring-4 ing about `said movements, and means for automatically determining the period 0f energization of said electrical device. 109. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means havingfa'pluralityu l.

110. Gear-shifting' mechanism, .comprising gear-shifting means having` plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single powei'I circuit including velectrical means for stor.-

ing energy for governing said movements,- and a single controllingy circuit for releasing said energy.

111. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising ioo gear-shifting. means having a plurality of l l gear-shifting movements, a single power cir- 'cuit including electrical meansfor storingenergy for governingv said movements, and a single controlling circuit, for releasing said" energy, said powerl circuit and controlling `Vcircuit each having ail-automatic circuit-controller one. of which is open when the'oth'er is closed andthe second of which is open when the first is closed.

- 112. Gear-shifting mechanism, I comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single operating power device .for `effecting said movements, a single power'circuit-in'cluding elec,V trical means for energizing said operating power device, a single controlling circuit for releasing 'said operating power device,`

and means for constantlv maintainingv at least one break-in ealch of said circuits except `during the momentary 'closing of 'such' circuit for energizing or releasing Asaid operating power device.

113.. Gearshiftingniechanism, .v comprisiso l ing gear-shifting means having a plurality Aof gearshifting movements, and a single power device for eliecting said movements, said power device being operative for eX- crting at the beginning or" its action its maximum power.

114:. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shitting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, and a single powerfdevice for eli'ecting said movements, said power device being operative for exerting at the beginning of its action its maximum power which gradually decreases thereafter. n

115.-`Gearshifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, selecting means .movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and normally energized actuating means for effecting said movements. t

116. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, selecting means movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and a single normally energized power device for effecting said movements.- y

'117. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single selector movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and a single normally energized power device for effecting said movements.

' 118. Gear-shifting' mechanism, compris- Ying gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, a single selector movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and a single spring for eiecting said movements.

119. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having a plurality of gear-shifting movements, selecting means movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and normally energized actuating means for operating upon the .gear-shifting means through said selecting means to effect the selected movements.

120. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means having .a plurality of Agear-shitting movements, selecting Ameans movable into and out of position for controlling said movements selectively, and a single normally energized power device for operating upon the gear-shifting means through said selecting means to effect the selected movements. i l

121. Gear-shifting mechanism', comprising selectively operable gear-Shifters, and normally energized actuating means for operating the selected gear-shifter. v v

122. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising selectively operable gear-Shifters, and a single normally energized power device common to `saidlgear-shifters for operating the one selected.

123. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising selectively operable gear-shifters, and a single normally energized spring common to said gear-Shifters for operating the one se-` lected.

124. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising selectively operable gear-Shifters, a single' normally energized actuating means control- 'ling` the movements of said gear-Shifters to a working position.

127. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a plurality of separately-operable gear- Shifters each movable to a plurality of positions corresponding to different gear connections, and normally energized actuating means for moving said gear-Shifters to the selected positions.

128. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising a plurality of separately-operable gear- Shifters each movable to a plurality of positions corresponding to dilerent gear connections, and a single normally energized power device common to said gear-Shifters and all positions thereof for moving them to the'selected positions.

129. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising selecting means for determining the shifting of the gearing to neutral andto a working position, and normally energized actuating means for effecting said shifting movements successively in predetermined timing.

130.' Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising selecting means for determining the shifting of the gearing. to neutral and to a workin position, and a single normally energize power device for effecting said shifting movements successively in predetermined timing.

131. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means, a relatively short power circuit including means for operating said gear-shifting means, and a controlling circuit embodying a controlling device operable by current of low amperage.

132. Gear-shifting mechanism, comprising gear-shifting means, a relatively short power means for -operating said gear-shifting.'A relatively to the other. Y

means, and a controlling circuit@embodying Signed at New Haven, in the county of v a, controlling device operable by current of New Haven and Sta-te of Connecticut, this 5 10W amperage. 15th day of November A. D. 1913. v

133. Gear-shifting mechanism, `com risin in combination with a pair of coperativ CHARLES R' UNDERHILL' gears, -a relatively short power circuit of Witnesses:

10W resistance containing an automatic eir- BEssm E. HOWARD,

l circuit of low resistance including electrical plying energy for shifting one 'of said gears 10 cuit-controller and-electrical means for sup- AGNEss V. MANNING. 

